Historic Marker Program

Program Overview and Application

The PPS Historic Marker Program recognizes buildings within the city of Providence that contribute to the appreciation and understanding of our unique architectural, historical, and cultural heritage. Markers serve to identify individual buildings by date and association (usually the name of the architect, builder, or first occupant) and to encourage the continued care and preservation of buildings throughout Providence’s 25 neighborhoods. Buildings (residential, commercial, and institutional) that are at least 50 years old, retain integrity of the original design, and are appropriately and well maintained are eligible to participate in the program.

Once approved, the cost of the marker is $300.00 for members of the Providence Preservation Society. For non-members, the cost is $325.00, which includes a one-year household membership to PPS. The fee represents the cost of the hand-painted marker and a professionally researched building history, including deed/title research to determine the original owner and construction date. The property owner will receive a copy of the building research and digital copy will be added to our online marker database, The Mary A. Gowdey Library of House Histories.

The cost of a replacement marker, whose research has been recently completed, is $150.00 for PPS members and $175.00 for non-members, which includes a household membership to PPS.